Fashion shows are often criticized for featuring features such as; cannot be worn Clothes – Does anyone remember the inflated balloon costume? Or maybe McQueen’s white feather ensemble? After all, it’s all part of the creative appeal. But for SS26, that seems to be changing, as designers replace the extravagant talking points with chic, simple outfits that serve as, dare I say it, the perfect mood board for minimalist fashion fans.
With pared-down runway looks popping up in every major fashion capital, New York designers are right at the forefront. Take Ralph Lauren, Totem, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Kite as central examples. The color palette was kept classic, with lots of black and white, hints of brown and baby blue (my new favorite color combination), and bold pops of red styled in simple silhouettes.
Minimalism certainly doesn’t mean boring, but as these particularly chic runways prove,Victoria Beckham was among them, making a strong case for sophisticated simplicity in Paris. Whether you want to save it for office outfit inspiration or reference it for future outfit ideas, here are seven trends that lovers of the minimalist aesthetic should keep an eye on.
7 Spring/Summer 26 Trends to Watch Now
1. Strapless tops
(Image credit: Ralph Lauren/Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com)
Style notes: Proving the importance of silhouettes, many designers, including Ralph Lauren, have made strapless tops a central staple in their collections. whether to wear together Consider wide-leg pants, jeans, or a classic midi skirt as simple wardrobe staples that are effortlessly elegant.
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Proenza Schouler
Lena strapless gathered cotton-blend poplin top
This timeless top will be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe, and of course pairs perfectly with jeans, skirts, and black trousers.
stella mccartney
strapless ribbed wool top
This Stella McCartney knit top has a chic cut with a strapless style that provides great arm coverage.
mango
strapless knit top
Prefer an all-black outfit? This strapless top pairs perfectly with shaded skirts, jeans, and pants.
anthropology
By Anthropologie Faux Suede Bandeau Top
To add more interest to your strapless top’s look, consider styles with a more tactile texture, like this suede one.
2. Polished polo shirt
(Image credit: Tory Burch)
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child with no one
Blue Ribbed Polo Knit Top
Style your polo the same way you would your trusty T-shirt for a more formal look.
Massimo Dutti
100% wool knit cardigan
This lightweight knit is made from 100% wool, making it comfortable yet chic.
tory burch
Cotton pointer polo shirt
With simple yet striking color blocking, this preppy polo is enough to make a subtle style statement.
miu miu
cashmere cardigan with collar
Few brands do a better job of sophisticated preppy aesthetics than Miu Miu. This cardigan is a perfect example of why.
3. Simple white dress
(Image credit: Calvin Klein)
Style notes: No fashion item screams minimalism like a white dress. Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, and Jil Sander all proved that the piece can still deliver intrigue. To keep it classic, choose particularly simple shapes and add interest with accessories like bandanas, suede shoes, and textured clutch bags. Few summer styles are this chic.
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totem
scoop neck woven maxi dress
Toteme’s white scoop neck dress can be styled in many ways, even over jeans.
St. Agni
St. Agni cotton-blend halterneck midi dress
This St.Agni style has a more evening cut perfect for special occasions.
C.O.S.
Boat-neck cotton A-line midi dress
If you’re looking for a more modest neckline, consider this Cos A-line white dress.
whistle
white anna dress
This timeless whistle design will be a lasting addition to any wardrobe.
4. Timeless tailoring
(Image credit: Victoria Beckham)
Style notes: Tailoring has been a recurring trend on the runways for the past few seasons, and Spring/Summer ’26 was no exception. Name one standout suit brand. Victoria Beckham and this classic cut gray suit prove why.
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Massimo Dutti
100% wool flannel suit blazer
Massimo Dutti is the champion of the high street when it comes to tailoring and this 100% wool blazer is the perfect example of why.
Massimo Dutti
100% wool flannel suit pants
What makes this look so striking is the full suit styling. Be sure to add pants to your basket as well.
victoria beckham
Pumice Relaxed Double Breasted Jacket
If dark gray doesn’t catch your eye, the soft hue of pumice might.
victoria beckham
Pumice Classic Straight Leg Trousers
Victoria Beckham’s eponymous brand is perfect for classic tailoring.
5. Black pants
(Image credit: Michael Kors)
Style notes: If you need further proof that it’s time to invest in a pair of especially chic black pants, consider this your sign. victoria beckham, chloe, Designers like Balenciaga, Michael Kors (of course), and many others have sent this wearable item down the runway, proving that this wearable staple can be especially sophisticated. Wide-leg styles are the norm right now, but classic flares are also a chic option.
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michael kors
pleated crepe wide leg pants
There are many black pants in Michael Kors’ current collection, but this pleated crepe style is timeless.
ralph lauren
Pleated cotton twill wide-leg trousers
A great pair of black pants deserves a place in everyone’s wardrobe. This cotton twill pair has a particularly classic cut.
veronica beard
Hibiscus pleat stretch crepe flare pants
If you already own wide-leg pants, the retro flare will probably catch your eye.
Other stories
tailored wool trousers
Consider these wool-blend pants as your new office staple.
6. Monochrome Moment
(Image credit: Totem)
Style notes: You can already feel the theme. The black and white color combination is a key element of the Spring/Summer 2026 mood board. Consider Toteme’s blazers, shirts, and shorts, Ralph Lauren’s duster coat fits, and even Michael Kors’ silk shirts and pants as key sources of inspiration. Simple yet chic.
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with nothing underneath
The Boyfriend: TENCEL™ Lyocell, off-white
London-based brand With Nothing Underneath is a fashion editor’s best-kept secret.
totem
Garderob Oversized Recycled Grain De Poudre Blazer
Toteme’s black blazer is truly a timeless fashion item that will stay in your wardrobe forever.
It becomes quiet
Linen blend Lya Bermuda shorts
Sleek enough to wear to the office and cool enough to take to the beach, these white Bermuda shorts are the perfect all-rounder.
mango
leather ballet shoes
White may not be an instant color choice for ballet shoes, but Toteme proved it’s time for a switch.
7. Leather blazer
(Image credit: Khaite)
Style notes: 26 Not all spring/summer looks are limited to warmer climates. Case in point: the leather blazer outfit spotted on the runway of Saint Laurent, Kait, Magda Butrim, etc. Black and brown leather are always classic choices, but Khaite favors bolder red hues. Pair it with dark wash jeans and simple accessories for an easy look.
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Harlow’s House 1960
X Revolve Bordeaux faux-leather blazer
As you might expect, there aren’t that many choices of red leather blazers available (it’s a pretty niche item, after all), but this 1960 style from House of Harlow is similar enough in shade to Khaite’s.
M&S collection
cracked single-breasted blazer coat
To elevate your outfit, try swapping out your classic cotton blazer for a faux leather style.
chloe
paneled leather jacket
A Chloé blazer is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
This classic black faux leather blazer is great for cold weather.
Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
